Tracy McGrady Revives Legendary ABCD Camp After 20 Years

One of the most iconic basketball camps in the United States is back. Tracy McGrady and legendary basketball figure Sonny Vaccaro have revived the ABCD Camp, bringing together around 50 of the country’s top high school prospects in Phoenix.

The camp returned for the first time since 2006, giving the next generation of basketball talent an opportunity to compete in front of NBA scouts, executives and coaches.

A Camp That Helped Shape NBA Legends

Founded by Vaccaro in 1984, ABCD Camp became one of the premier stages for elite high school basketball talent during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Kobe Bryant was named camp MVP in 1995, while a 16-year-old LeBron James strengthened his reputation as one of America’s best young prospects at the 2001 edition.

For McGrady, however, the camp carries an even more personal meaning.

In 1996, he arrived as a relatively unknown prospect after receiving one of the final invitations. McGrady dominated the competition, earned MVP honours and quickly emerged as one of the top-ranked high school players in the country.

A year later, he was selected with the No. 9 pick in the 1997 NBA Draft before going on to enjoy a 15-year NBA career.

McGrady now wants the next generation to receive the same kind of opportunity that helped transform his own basketball journey.

“It was the best of the best, and that brought out everything in me,” McGrady told NBA.com while reflecting on his experience at the camp.

NBA Talent Helps Guide the Next Generation

The revived ABCD Camp attracted scouts and executives representing all 30 NBA teams, while current NBA assistant coaches worked directly with the high school prospects.

Several young NBA players also took part in mentoring and coaching.

Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 pick by the Utah Jazz in the 2026 NBA Draft, attended the opening days and watched highly rated high school prospect Demarcus Henry during the scrimmages.

Brooklyn Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr., selected No. 6 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, also joined the coaching staff while supporting his younger brother Zach.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. and Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe were among the other NBA players involved.

For McGrady, having current NBA talent around the camp gives young prospects an opportunity to learn how professional players read the game, understand different situations and approach basketball at the highest level.

Lewis Uvwo Emerges as Camp MVP

One of the biggest standouts was 6-foot-10 centre Lewis Uvwo.

Uvwo delivered 16 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, three assists and two steals in the championship game, earning ABCD Camp MVP honours after an impressive weekend.

The return of ABCD Camp is about more than nostalgia. The event once helped introduce future stars such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and McGrady to a wider basketball audience.

Twenty years later, McGrady is helping reopen that same pathway for a new generation — and perhaps the next great NBA star is already among them.